Paolo Sorrentino’s autobiographical film, Hand of God (È stata la mano di Dio), is Italy’s submission for consideration as a Best International Film candidate at the Academy Awards. The decision was made by the selection committee organized by Anica, as requested by the Academy, which saw the film triumph from the pack of 18 candidates, all films that have been distributed or are scheduled for distribution in Italy during 2021. The five films shortlisted to compete for the prize, to be awarded in Los Angeles on 27 March 2022, will be announced on 8 February 2022.
Distributed by Netflix, produced by Lorenzo Mieli and Paolo Sorrentino (for The Apartment, part of the Fremantle group), Hand of God was presented at the Venice Film Festival where it won the Jury Prize and the Mastroianni Prize for Filippo Scotti, who plays the young main character, Fabietto Schisa. The cast also includes Toni Servillo and Teresa Saponangelo as his parents, Luisa Ranieri, Renato Carpentieri, Massimiliano Gallo, Biagio Manna and Enzo Decaro.
The film is set in the tumultuous 1980s in Naples where it was shot, as 17-year-old Fabietto lives through various experiences that will change his life: the arrival of soccer legend Maradona to play for Naples where he is acclaimed like a god; and a tragic accident that takes him to rock bottom, yet shows him the way forward for his future. The story interweaves torment and family love, and also mystery, warmth, humour and desire, elements that all play out against the background of the tangible beauty of Naples.
Hand of God will be released in cinemas from 24 November and on Netflix 15 December 2021.